Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters and parents alike

A few simple precautions can keep all your kids safe while trick or treating. Photo: CNN

0shares

(CNN) - Streets and neighborhoods across the country will be teeming with youngsters in costume Thursday night, celebrating Halloween in the most appropriate way possible - trick or treating.

As the sun goes down, kids will be out in full force, and there are a few ways that parents can help keep their ghouls and goblins (and Supermen and Wonder Women) safe:

Children 12 and under should always be accompanied by an adult

Plan a route and have children stick to it at all times

Have trick or treaters carry a flashlight, or use reflective tape or glow sticks to help drivers see them

Make sure kids are crossing the street at crosswalks and not between cars

Experts say that more than twice as many child pedestrians are hit on Halloween night than on any other day of the year, so a few simple precautions can keep the good times going long into the dark and spooky evening.